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Guide to Managing Inter-Dog Aggression

December 16, 2019 by Mary Telesz

two domesticated dogs barking at each otherInter-dog aggression is a common but distressing problem in households with more than one dog. Dogs will naturally establish a hierarchy among themselves, with one more dominant and others more submissive. To some extent, this is natural and healthy behavior. In fact, owners often make things worse by trying to prevent or manage inter-dog aggression.

That is because we sometimes treat our dogs like human children. We try to make things fair, as we understand it, and ensure that both dogs are getting the same amount of food, toys, or attention. For dogs, though, this is not how life is supposed to work. The more confident, dominant dog should get most of the resources and attention, and will instinctively show aggression toward the less confident dog if it challenges the dominant animal for any of these things.

Managing Inter-Dog Aggression

There are times, though, when inter-dog aggression goes beyond what is normal and becomes an ongoing problem that must be resolved. Generally, the time to intervene is when the aggression does not stop and becomes violent. Healthy dog behavior rarely becomes truly violent, although it can involve lots of snarling, growling, and even some wrestling. This is all posturing, though. Aggression to establish a hierarchy is resolved through proper body language and behavior.
When the aggression turns violent, it becomes a problem that the owner must resolve. Here are the best ways to do that.

Verbal Control With Reward Based Training

small dog being fed a treat for good behaviorDo not punish your dogs for inter-dog aggression. This is often our gut response when we see it, but punishing the aggressive dog will only make things worse. It encourages the other dog to repeat the behavior that triggered the aggression, which means the problem will arise again. Worse, it will cause the aggressive dog to associate the other dog with punishment, heightening the tension between them.
Instead, use reward-based training to establish verbal control over your dog at all times. Reward the aggressive dog every time it is in the presence of the other dog and behaves appropriately. This includes giving treats and lots of verbal praise, as well as showing physical affection. This will cause the aggressive dog to associate the other dog with rewards, not punishment, and he or she will quickly learn the best ways to behave around the other dog.

This will help you to establish verbal control over the dog. It is much easier to control a dog who is seeking to please you as opposed to one that is simply trying to avoid punishment. If the dog wants to please you, and knows that obeying your commands will earn it a reward, it will obey much more easily and quickly.

Command-Response Program

A command-response program is a training regimen in which you, the owner, control all access to all resources: water, food, treats, even social interactions. The dogs can only receive them when they are calm and behaving appropriately. When the dogs are both calm and clearly demonstrating submissive behavior toward you, they get their reward. This establishes you firmly as the one in charge, and it gives you more authority over the dogs.

This teaches the dogs that they cannot demand rewards or resources. These are provided only when you choose to provide them. Learning this will reduce the competition between the dogs, because they learn that nothing they do can get them more food or treats.

Daily Routine With Sufficient Training

This includes plenty of play and nap time for each dog, in his or her own area with his or her own toys. This does a few things for your dogs’ behavioral health.

tired dog napping on dog bedFirst, it provides the physical and mental stimulation they need to keep themselves entertained and properly exercised. In other words, your dog will not be bored and will not have excess energy. It also means that each dog will get adequate attention from you. There will be less competition between the dogs for resources, whether it is food or attention they are competing for, because they will both feel that they are getting all they need.

Including training in this routine maintains your clear position as the leader and reinforces your control over the dogs. Continuing to regularly train the dogs is crucial to maintaining control over them.

Leash & Head Halter For Physical Control & Safety

For some dogs you may need to establish physical control over them while you are working on establishing verbal control. A leash with a head halter gives you this control over the dog without putting you in physical danger. Pulling on the leash will force the dog’s mouth shut, and allow you to pull the head sideways, averting their gaze, or you can pull it up to allow you to look them in the eyes, which establishes your dominance.

Speak To Local Paw Pals For More Information

If you would like more information on inter-dog aggression, or would like to use a dog-walking service to help manage that aggression, contact Paw Pals Pet Sitting today.

Filed Under: Pet Advice

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Centreville – 20120, 20121
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Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
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Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
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